Artistry abounds on this summer stroll

Staff reports

Thursday

Jun 25, 2009 at 12:01 AMJun 25, 2009 at 4:47 AM

Downtown art galleries, studios and boutiques will offer live art demonstrations, special performances and refreshments.

Whether it’s glass blowing, needlework or a decorative style of Norwegian painting, the Canandaigua Summer Art Walk has something for any art lover. The event features live art demonstrations and displays from a handful of galleries, studios, shops and boutiques.

“It’s a nice family thing to do,” said Aimee Ward of Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame. “It gives people the opportunity to go to all the different businesses in town and see where there is to shop.”

Displaying around 300 original and reproduction works of art from more than 30 artists, most of the works at Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame are of subjects within an hour drive of the gallery, and most of the artists live within that distance, as well.

Along with live violin music and a demonstration by watercolor artist Paul Allen Taylor from 4-6 p.m., the gallery is hosting a silent auction that will conclude with the Summer Art Walk. All proceeds go to the Sands Cancer Center of Canandaigua.

Aside from the many mediums of art on display, visitors get the chance to see the collaboration of artists, galleries and crafts people in the flourishing artistic community.
“We like to feature the art of local artisans,” said Karen Haberstro of Artiques Heirlooms & Art Consignment.

Ranging from a single artwork to a large furniture piece, primitive to postmodern, Artiques Heirlooms & Art takes pride in its eclectic mix of offerings.

For the Art Walk, Artiques’ focus on local artisans will have them hosting a meet and greet with Norwegian rosemaling artist Ellen Fjermedal from 1-4 p.m. A folk art often done on metal, rosemaling is a form of decorative flower painting that originated in rural areas. Acoustic artists Kendal Wilt, Duncan Walls and Fran Carey will perform from 4-6 p.m.

“If the weather is nice, the Art Walk really does draw a lot of people,” said Haberstro.
Visitors can stick around downtown and see the Rochester rock band Danny and the Rebel Rockers perform from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Commons Park for the Summer Concert Music Series. The concert is free of charge.

JOOLZ (237 S. Main St.): Rochester jewelry artist Sara Silvio brings a collection of her handcrafted jewelry. The Rochester native has made and taught bead jewelry with a women’s cooperative in Ecuador, as manager and teacher at Baubles and Beads in the San Francisco area and a teacher and designer in New York City.

Nancy Wiley Studio (206 S. Main St.): There will be an opening for the new studio gallery space from 2-8 p.m., with wine and cheese. Wiley will be showing work, including the layout for an upcoming book.